Tuesday, December 23, 2008

The Spirit of Christmas - The Living Strings

One more in the series of 'Living' albums, and perhaps the last post this year, here's The Spirit of Christmas by The Living Strings. This one might be the most shared Christmas album on the planet, I'm not exactly sure. But since I recorded the album for myself, I thought I should share it here too.

It's up to the usual standards of the series with nice arrangements by composer Johnny Douglas, who is most notable to this child of the '80s as a regular contributing composer on animated series like Transformers and G.I. Joe. Before all that Saturday morning magic, Douglas arranged a few of the Living albums, including the more recent vintage (if you consider 1974 recent) The Christmas Songbook for The Living Voices.

Notable interpretations include Harry Belafonte's hit "Mary's Boy Child", which stands out from this traditional orchestral pack due to it's strong Calypso-flavour. The medley "We Wish You A Merry Christmas / We Three Kings / It Came Upon A Midnight Clear / O Holy Night / Silent Night" could very well set the record for most Christmas tunes performed in under five minutes. Check out the sweetly warm sax in "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" mashing up with a reprise of the Calypso percussion from "Mary's Boy Child" for a study in Johnny Douglas' deft skills as an arranger.

Hey! Did you know this album is now available to purchase? Yes, that's right, Dulcima Records, dedicated to releasing the music of arranger Johnny Douglas, has released 'The Spirit of Christmas', 'White Christmas' and 'A Christmas Songbook' on a 2-CD set.

Click here to order now!

I'd like to thank everyone that has visited Hi-Fi Holiday, downloaded an album and posted a comment. The comments this year have been especially gratifying.

I sincerely wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and hope the New Year brings better times for all. I'll see you next year!

18 comments:

  1. Another wonderful album. Thanks! I've really enjoyed finding this site and enjoying all the fantastic music you post here. I'm in vintage holiday heaven!!

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  2. Merry Christmas! This blog and you rock!

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  3. The wonderfully soothing music you've been posting has helped me stay calm this season. Thanks a million and Merry Christmas.

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  4. Merry Christmas and thank you very much for the beautiful music.

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  5. An extra big Christmas thanks and wish for a blessed New Year to Ernie (Not Bert), The King of Jingaling (at Falalalala.com), AM, Then FM, A Christmas Yuleblog, Hi-Fi Holiday, Big Balls of Holly, Music You (Possibly) Won't Hear Anyplace Else, Christmas Music Everyday, Way Out Junk, Hip Christmas, Twelve Months of Christmas, Sanity Clause's Shanty and Santas Working Overtime--and MANY other faithful bloggers I have not mentioned by name--for the OUTstanding Christmas music shares! In my little universe alone, your generosity has made dozens of folks VERY happy, and I'm sure thousands more too, on all those Internets!

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  6. OK, so it's after Christmas, but I'm still listening to the best music in the world - Christmas music!

    Thank you so much for the wonderful music you have posted, a trip down memory lane.

    Spirit of Christmas is truly outstanding. Not only the album, but also your work in digitizing it.

    I am in awe of what you have done!

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  7. Yes, I have found your blog after Christmas, time just passes so quickly. I wanted to say that I enjoyed all the album covers you have on your blog. Reminds me of the 70s and playing records at the neighbors. Thanks!!

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  8. Thank you so much for the memories. My aunt bought me this album at Kmart for $2.99 back in the late 60s. Thanks again!

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  9. I hope you'll continue this project and add more out-of-print albums in 2008.

    I'd like to nominate two of my favorites:

    "Christmas Joy" by George Melanchrino and his Orchestra (RCA Victor LPM-2044) and disk 2 of "The Columbia Album of Christmas Music" by Percy Faith and His Orchestra (Columbia C2L 15)

    Ernest P. Duckweather

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  10. Hi Clueless -- if I come across those albums I'll post them. I have an ancient Percy Faith album, but I'm not sure if the contents are the same as his famous "Christmas Music" set. Please stay tuned.

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  11. you can without loving,but you can never love without giving.Your is nic blog Keep it up!

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  12. What a great website! And the music you have shared is wonderful!

    Can't wait for Christmas '09!

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  13. Christmas is fast approaching and I wish you have another new album to post. Looking forward to that.

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  14. Sydney -- I have lots of new albums to share. Many already recorded... All that's left to do is scan the artwork. Please stay tuned.

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  15. Got yuletide lucky and just found this record in a thrift store for a quarter! Happy Feast of Three Kings and Epiphany too!!

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  16. Is there a way to download this through you, or do I have to purchase the CD?

    Thanks!
    Kate

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  17. Hi Kate - I really recommend purchasing the CD. It's a good way to help these original artists benefit from their hard work!

    Best,

    Ryan

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  18. Ryan,

    Thanks for the quick response. I will definitely order! Thank you so much for posting this awesome blog. It has transported me to back to when I was a little tyke in the mid 70's. Love it!

    Kate

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